Hawaii is bracing for yet another severe weather event as Tropical Storm Nolo approaches, threatening the islands with life-threatening flooding and hurricane-force winds. The storm comes on the heels of a relentless series of natural disasters that have already battered the state, including major flooding, an earthquake, and two hurricanes since mid-August. John Bravender, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, said during a news conference Wednesday that while high winds are expected, the main concern is the possibility of flash flooding. The southeastern Big Island is particularly vulnerable, as the ground remains saturated from recent storms, increasing the risk of rapid runoff and mudslides.
As of Wednesday, more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members have been activated, and schools are closed for the remainder of the week. Hawaiian Electric, the state’s primary utility, has announced that crews will return to at-risk areas to prepare for the coming storm. This comes as over 100 Kauai households remain without power from Hurricane Lowell, which passed west of the island on September 1. The cumulative impact of these back-to-back storms has left infrastructure strained and residents on edge.
Meanwhile, in the Pacific, Hurricane Polo has fluctuated between Category 4 and Category 5 strength, both classified as major hurricanes, and is bringing a flooding threat to southwestern Mexico. The storm’s strongest winds are expected to remain offshore as its center passes near Mexico’s Pacific coast before moving back out to sea. Bravender noted that the exact path of Tropical Storm Nolo remains uncertain, but the potential for it to become a major hurricane is real. He emphasized that residents should stay informed and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
With the ground already saturated and more heavy rain on the way, the risk of life-threatening flooding is high. Authorities are urging residents to heed all warnings and to prepare for possible power outages and transportation disruptions. As Hawaii faces yet another test of resilience, the message is clear: take this storm seriously and prioritize safety.
Shimanta Das 
